National Alumni Association R

National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High School Reunion 2015 It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

Michael L. Hall, President

Mary M. Hughes, Reunion Chair July 10—12, 2015 Embassy Suites 2960 John Hawkins Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35244

Table of Contents

Greetings! ...... 3

President Michael L. Hall ...... 3

Office of the Governor -- State of Alabama ...... 4

Office of the Mayor -- City of Leeds ...... 5

Office of the Mayor -- City of Hoover ...... 6

Representative -- District No. 45 ...... 7

Schedule of Reunion Activities ...... 8

Biography of Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce ...... 9

R. R. Moton High School Reunion Program 2015 ...... 10

Reunion Committee Chairs, Co-Chairs & Members ...... 11

Executive Board ...... 12

Patrons ...... 15

Advertisements ...... 16

School Song ...... 40

Necrology List ...... 41 History of R. R. Moton High School ...... 45

Visit Our Website at: http://www.rrmotonhighleeds.com

Greetings!

President Michael L. Hall

Robert Russa Moton National Alumni Association

It is my pleasure to greet you with open arms and humility as we National Alumni Association celebrate another reunion. Where did the time go? It seems like only Officers & yesterday we were passing the torch and thinking of this event as R. R. Moton High School Reunion something that would occur in the distant future.

This Robert Russa Moton National Alumni Association was created to Committees provide reunion opportunities and opportunities that support the efforts of the Robert Russa Moton Alumni Association. As indicated in our theme, this year, It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

In order to “Keep Moton Alive”, we must increase our membership, assist with the restoration and preservation of the Moton School site and provide scholarships for students at Leeds High School. We are making great strides towards achieving these goals. You can help by making a concerted effort to commit to assisting the National Alumni Association as we go forward.

The planning committees, Executive Board, officers, members and friends have been working hard to insure that this year's reunion is exciting, enjoyable, and informative. We have tried to keep you informed through our Website, FaceBook™, Twitter™ and other communication mediums. We encourage you to keep in touch with us through these mediums. We want to hear from you.

So far, we have awarded scholarships to five seniors from Leeds High School since 2012. We need YOU to help insure the continued success of the scholarship program and the efforts of the Robert Russa Moton National Alumni Association. We hope you will donate to this worthy cause and help us Keep Moton Alive!

“Thank You” for your continued support.

Welcome Home Moton High Alumni, Family and Friends!

Office of the Governor -- State of Alabama

David Miller, Mayor

City of Leeds 1040 Office of the Mayor -- City of Leeds Park Drive Leeds, COUNCIL MEMBERS AL 35094 Kenneth Washington - District 1 (205)-699-2585 Eric G. Turner - District 2 (205)-699-6558 Fax Johnny G. Dutton - District 3 Craig Wadsworth - District 4 Devoris Roscha Ragland - District 5

Proclamation

Regarding the Reunion of Graduating Classes 1949-1970 Of Robert R. Moton High School on July 10-12, 2015

WHEREAS. the Leeds community graduates of former Robert R. Moton High School will host and celebrate a biennial reunion of all the graduating classes from 1949-1970 and;

WHEREAS, the graduates of Moton High School who now live around the country from coast to coast will convene here and at the Embassy Suites at 2060 John Hawkins ParkWay in Birmingham on the weekend of July 10-12, 2015, and;

WHEREAS, the city government and citizens of Leeds are pleased to welcome these Graduates home and who proudly celebrate the illustrious history o this high School established in 1948 for the African-American students residing in Leeds And the Eastern Jefferson County communities of Trussville, Irondale, Lovick, Lola City, Overton, and Rose Hill, and;

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor and on behalf of The City council of Leeds, I am pleased and honored to extend a Cordial welcome to all of the graduates of Robert R. Moton High School back to the city and the metro Birmingham area for a reunion of all of the classes from 1949 to 1970.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I do hereby set my hand and cause the corporate seal of the City of Leeds, to be affixed this day of June 1, 2015.

Office of the Mayor -- City of Hoover

WELCOME

On behalf of the citizens of Hoover, the Hoover City Council and myself, I would like to welcome the Robert Russa Moton High School National Alumni Association to the City of Hoover for their Biennial School Reunion which will take place July 10 - 12, 2015 at the Embassy Suites. We are excited that you have chosen Hoover for your reunion. The Embassy Suites is a beautiful facility with all the up to date accommodations. I am sure you will very pleased you chose that location for your reunion.

The theme you have chosen, "It's All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive" is very appropriate for what you are trying to accomplish. I believe with your determination to provide and promote programs, activities, and staying in constant contact with your alumni, your reunion will continue to be successful in the upcoming years.

While you are in our city, we hope you will take time to experience all that Hoover has to offer. We are the sixth largest city in the state of Alabama. Our residents enjoy a quality of life that is unsurpassed in the state. We are home to Aldridge Gardens, Moss Rock Preserve, the SEC Baseball Tournament and many shopping venues, including the Riverchase Galleria which is the largest shopping mall in the southeast.

Best wishes for a very enjoyable time together and it is my hope that your tradition of your school reunion will continue to be passed down through generations. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you during your stay.

Again, welcome to Hoover!

Sincerely,

Gary Ivey Mayor City of Hoover

100 Municipal Lane· Hoover, Alabama 35216-5503 • Telephone (205) 444-7510 • Fax (205) 444-7723

Representative -- District No. 45

Schedule of Reunion Activities National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High 2015

Friday, July 10, 2015 (Embassy Suites Hotel)

Registration ……………………………………………… 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Music by D.J. Hypnoteyez Meet and Greet Jeff Rose, Legacy 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM Entertainment Comedian: Jermaine “Funny Maine” Johnson Hospitality ……………………………………………… 11:30 PM - Until Saturday, July 11, 2015 (Moton Park)

Picnic ……………………………………………… 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Free Time ……………………………………………… 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 11, 2015 (Embassy Suites Hotel) Banquet ……………………………………………… 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Dance …………………………………………….. 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Hospitality ...... 11:30 PM - Until

Sunday, July 12, 2015 (Embassy Suites Hotel)

Delegate Assembly ……………………………………………… 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Check-Out ……………………………………………… 12:00 PM

 Photography by Gina Thomas  Food for Picnic by Elite Catering

A Special “Thank You” to Everyone!

Biography of Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce

DeVoris Ragland-Pierce is a native and current resident of Leeds, AL. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Mass Communication from Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN. She has studied at Birmingham School of Law in Birmingham, AL.

Mrs. Ragland-Pierce is employed with the City of Birmingham Police Department in the Crime Prevention Unit where she has served as Crime Prevention Specialist and Public Relations Officer for twenty years. She has successfully completed numerous programs in the law enforcement arena. She obtained her certification as a licensed Crime DeVoris Ragland-Pierce Prevention Specialist in the state of Alabama from The American Crime Prevention Institute in Louisville, Kentucky.

She has also earned Certifications of Achievements from Gulf States Regional Community Policing Institute and Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Community Oriented Policing. She has participated in Western Oregon University: Creating Vigilant, Prepared and Resilient Communities for the Homeland Security Program and Auburn University at Montgomery Division of Continuing Education course, Community Doctoring: Crime Prevention Strategies for the 2lst Century.

DeVoris Ragland-Pierce is an ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and also a motivational speaker. She is married to her wonderful husband, Mr. Reuben Pierce, Jr. and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Erica Cowan & Whittni Pierce.

Ms. Ragland-Pierce’s latest accomplishment was achieved in the political arena on October 9, 2012 where she was elected to the Leeds City Council in District 5. DeVoris made history in the City of Leeds by being the first African American woman to serve on the Leeds City Council.

DeVoris Ragland-Pierce is keeping the Legacy Alive!

R. R. Moton High School Reunion Program 2015 Mary M. Hughes, Reunion Chair 2015 Edneka L. Haynes, Mistress of Ceremonies, Legacy

“It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!”

Opening Remarks...... Michael L. Hall, Class of 1969 President

Invocation ...... Rev. Arthur Struggs, Class of 1964 Chaplain

Welcome & Occasion ...... Dorothy S. McAdory, Class of 1968

Solo ...... Sharon A. Moore, Class of 1968 Deborah W. Hampton, Class of 1968

Recognition of Special Guests ...... Dorothy M. Hall, Class of 1971 LaToya R. Hall, Legacy

Praise Dance ...... Shayla J. Hughes, Legacy

Dinner

Introduction of Guest Speaker ...... Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Class of 1968

Guest Speaker ...... DeVoris Ragland-Pierce, Legacy ...... Councilwoman - District 5

Memorial Tribute ...... Ronnie Rose, Class of 1965 Past President, 2010 - 2011

...... Melva K. Garner, Class of 1965

...... Bettye W. Groce, Class of 1965

Special Presentations/Hall of Fame...... Michael L. Hall, Class of 1969 President

Raymond E. Marbury, Class of 1962 Chair, R. R. Moton High Hall of Fame

Remarks ...... Mary M. Hughes, Class of 1971 Chair, R. R. Moton High Reunion 2015 Past President, 2012 – 2013

Michael L. Hall, Class of 1969 President

School Song (Alma Mater) ...... “Oh Moton High”

Benediction ...... Rev. Arthur Struggs, Class of 1964 Chaplain Let’s Dance!

Reunion Committee Chairs, Co-Chairs & Members 2015

REUNION LOGISTICS NECROLOGY Mary M. Hughes, Chair Patricia M. Payne, Chair Dorothy M. Hall, Co-Chair Marion Anderson, Co-Chair Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Co-Chair Margaret Abercrombie Barbara R. Pickett, Co-Chair Raymond E. Marbury REGISTRATION LaToya R. Hall Barbara R. Pickett, Chair Raified Clark Mary Williams, Co-Chair Allen Lewis Carolyn O'Neil Sandra Russell Sabrina Rose PHOTOGRAPHY Dorothy M. Hall, Chair BUDGET & FINANCE LaToya R. Hall, Co-Chair CO- CHAIRS Raifield Clark, Chair PROGRAM, MUSIC, & Allen Lewis, Co-Chair ENTERTAINMENT Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Co-Chair Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Chair Mary M. Hughes, Co-Chair PUBLICITY & PRINT MEDIA/ PUBLIC RELATIONS LEGACY COMMITTEE Iburia Hall-Haynes, Chair, Ph.D. CO-CHAIRS Mary M. Hughes, Co-Chair Sabrina Rose, Chair LaToya R. Hall LaToya R. Hall, Co-Chair Sabrina Rose Edneka L. Haynes Shayla J. Hughes

CORPORATE/INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS Sandra McCain, Chair MOTON HALL OF FAME Shirley Rayford, Co-Chair Raymond E. Marbury, Chair Carl Marbury, Ph.D. Michael L. Hall, Co-Chair Robert Hunter Rev. Arthur Struggs James Hunter Carl H. Marbury, Ph.D. Dan Marbury Robert McAdory

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY MEMBERSHIP Michael L. Hall, Chair Sandra H. Russell, Chair Barbara R. Pickett, Co-Chair Margaret Abercrombie, Co-Chair Ronnie Rose Solomon Martin Mary C. Williams Kaye H. Burrow 11

National Alumni Association - R. R. Moton High

2015 Executive Board

Officers

President ...... Michael L. Hall Vice President ...... Barbara R. Pickett Secretary ...... Mary Williams Assistant Secretary ...... Kaye Burrow Treasurer ...... Allen Lewis Assistant Treasurer ...... Raified Clark Chaplain ...... Rev. Arthur Struggs Parliamentarian ...... Carolyn O’Neil Ex-Officio ...... Mary M. Hughes

Committees

Chair Membership ...... Sandra H. Russell Co-Chair Membership ...... Margaret Abercrombie Chair, Program ...... Mary M. Hughes Co-Chair, Program ...... Iburia V. Hall-Haynes, Ph.D. Chair, Budget & Finance ...... Raifield Clark Co-Chair, Budget & Finance ...... Allen Lewis Chair, Funds Development ...... Ronnie Rose Co-Chair, Funds Development ...... Iburia V. Hall-Haynes, Ph.D. Chair, Necrology ...... Patricia Payne Co-Chair, Necrology ...... Marion Anderson State Coordinator Liaison ...... Fannie S. Cunningham Assistant State Coordinator Liaison ...... Dorothy S. King

Delegate Assembly Program National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High

Sunday, July 12, 2015

First Session: 9:00 AM ...... Barbara Pickett, Vice President Presiding

AM Devotion/Invocation ...... Rev. Arthur Struggs Chaplain

Music ...... Children of Joy Choir

Second Session: 10:20 AM ...... Barbara Pickett, Vice President (General Business) Presiding

Break for Seating of Delegates Seating of Delegates Minutes From Last Reunion ...... Mary Williams, Secretary

Financial Report ...... Allen Lewis, Treasurer

Chapter Reports (3 Minutes Each)

Alabama California Michigan Ohio Virginia Additions

Third Session: 11:00 AM (General Business) ...... Michael Hall, President Presiding

Previous Business

Amendment(s) to the Constitution/Bylaws Additions

New Business

Election of Officers Additions

Best Wishes National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High Scholarship Recipients

2013

Osmara J. Andoanegui

Vanity O. Jones

2014

Maya Everett

Jimeria L. Williams

2015

Jeremy J. Clark

Patrns Patrons

Ms. Diane Hall AdvertisementsMr. Gerald Miller Leeds Scenic Byway Management

Mr. Lonnie David Marbury

Ms. Loretta Stove Marbury

Moton Center Foundation

Ms. Alma Watson

Advertisements

Allstate Agent – John Saddler

Alabama Farmer’s & Flea Market -- Shirley Sailem Bushelon Funeral Services -- Aubrey Bushelon E. Richard (Dickie) Drake -- State House of Representative E▪B▪H & T Associates Episcopal Church of the Epiphany

Flemings (Patio) In Memoriam - Kathryn Spencer & Jacqueline Fleming Edwards Guardian Systems, Inc. The Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

The Hall Family – Michael Hall & Family I’m Over 50 & I Want to Learn to Use My iPad (Book) It Takes A Village – Shirley Rayford Law Office of Katheree Hughes, Jr. Lehigh Cement Company

Little Rock Baptist Church Macedonia Baptist Missionary Church The Marbury Family

Moore’s Tax Service – Sharon A. Moore Moton -- Class of 1965 Moton -- Class of 1971 “The Transitioning Class of 1971” Moton the Founding Year -- Leeds Negro Teachers Leeds Pants Store Leeds Unity Funeral Services - Howard G. Johnson The Rock Wool Manufacturing Company, Inc. Truss Medical Repair Services

Join us for the Alabama Farmer’s & Flea Market

Open 7 Days A Week 6 AM – 6 PM 344 Finley Avenue West Birmingham, Alabama 35204

Shop with us for …… shoes, household items, accessories, furniture, antiques, books, pictures, toys, bedding and more!

Contact Shirley Dawson Sailem for more information.

Bushelon Funeral Services Congratulates the 2015 R. R. Moton High Reunion

Aubrey Bushelon Funeral Directing & Cremation Services

AUBREY JASON BUSHELON MANAGING FUNERAL DIRECTOR – EMBALMER – CERTIFIED CREMATIONIST

7517 GEORGIA ROAD OFFICE 205.956.8388 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35212 FAX 205.956.8308 [email protected] CELL 205.445.3427

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We also assist with hosting & domain names! GIVE US A CALL…703-317-0766 or email ... [email protected] view website at: http://www.ebhandt.com

tion, Greetings & Congratulations to the Robert R. Moton High School National Alumni Association in Your Reunion Year 2015

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY 1338 Montevallo Road Leeds, AL 35094 205.699.2404

http://www.epiphany-leeds.org

IN TRIBUTE, GRATITUDE & IN MEMORIAM

LEEDS NEGRO SCHOOL - TEACHERS

Standing (L -R): Mrs. Massey, E. B. Canady, Emma Peterson, Mrs. Cunningham, Ida Smith, Annie P. Brown, Roslyn Green McTier, Mrs. Randall, Rosa Niblett Kneeling: Principal Willliam Bolden

Moton High School -- The Founding Year

by Carl H. Marbury, Ph.D.

(Fleming Patio)

In Loving Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming and the Fleming Patio where over 30 years of service was provided to the Leeds Community.

We congratulate the R. R. Moton High Alumni Association for it’s dedication to the preservation of Moton’s rich history of providing a stellar educational environment where it has unlocked several doors of success to so many.

It is befitting that the Alumni Association would strive to keep this heritage alive.

We celebrate you … Kathryn Spencer & Jacqueline Fleming Edwards

______

GUARDIAN SYSTEMS, INC.

GSI was formed in 1973 and provides many governments, municipal and industrial businesses, both local and national firms with Certified Environmental Analytical Services in support of various projects.

GSI employs professional chemists, scientists, field technicians, industrial hygiene technicians consultants and support staff. GSI is centrally located in the State of Alabama which enables us to conveniently serve your statewide needs from our Leeds, Alabama facility.

CERTIFICATION/ACCREDITATIONS  Alabama Department of Environmental Certified Safe Management (ADEM)  Drinking Water and Microbiology Laboratory ( LAB ID# 40050)  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA LAB ID# AL000025)  Quality System accredited to IS017025:2005 Laboratory Standard for Testing Laboratories by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) (LABID#153119)

SERVICES o Safe Drinking Water, Bact & Rads o Storm/Waste Water & Low Level Mercury o RCRA Analysis & Hazardous Waste o SDW & Ground Water Well Monitoring o Industrial Hygiene ( Al HA Accredited ) o Aquatic Toxicity & Bioassay o CCR Preparation & Printing o DMR Completion & eFile o Field Sampling & Courier Services o Consulting & Engineering Services o Permit Applications & Renewals

WE EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO ALUMNI, FAMILY & FRIENDS AS WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE OUR LEGACY

The Hall Family -- Michael & Dorothy Hall

Learn to Use Your iPad Quickly!

Congratulations R. R. Moton High Alumni Association

You may purchase this book at: http://www.amazon.com (Type Iburia Hall-Haynes in search field)

or email us at [email protected]

PLUNGE INTO SUMMER Moton Community Center 1721 Moton Street Leeds, Alabama 35094

Leeds Summer Camp would like to wish the R. R. Moton High School Reunion All the Best!

Camp includes.... swimming, art, recreation, lesson reviews, field trips and dance!

Donations can be made to: It takes a Village P.O. Box 958 Leeds, Alabama 35094

For More Information Contact: Shirley T. Rayford 205-249-5501

Enrollment Age: 5 - 15 Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Open: Monday - Friday - One Registration Per Child

Join Us or Email [email protected] Sponsor a Child!

"Intelligence plus character . . . that is the goal of true education." Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Law Office of Katheree Hughes, Jr. extends its congratulations to

The National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High School 2015 Reunion.

KATHEREE HUGHES, JR. Attorney at Law 2017 2nd Avenue North Suite 200 Birmingham, Alabama 35203 205-324-6400

[email protected] of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

28 Moore’s Tax Services Moore’s Tax Services

“I Love Remembering”

Moore’s Tax Services Moore’s Tax Services

Service All of

Your Moore ’s Tax Services ce lebrates the Income Tax Robert R. Moton High School Reunion where our memories Needs... and joys come together!

Let us assist you with ...  back year’s returns,  profit and non-profit, &  business returns.

Sharon Moore (Class of 1968) Moore’s Tax Services (205) 780-8448 or (205) 920-4790

Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church 7338 Ruth Ave Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-2946

I was glad when ¶ they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. ..Psalm 122 King James Version (KJV)

Congratulations R. R. Moton High Alumni on Your Reunion!

Rev. Frederick Kirkland, Pastor

The Macedonia Baptist Church Would Like to Wish the R. R. Moton High School A Successful Reunion!

Rev. Randy E. Moore, Pastor

Macedonia Baptist Church 944 Charles Barkley Ave. Leeds, Alabama 35094

Phone 205) 699-5853

Best Wishes to the R. R. Moton High School Alumni Association for a Successful Reunion!

The Marbury Family

Arthur Carl Willie Lonnie Leonard Cleo Jr. Howard Hazel

Sarah Augusta

Mary “Mom” Raymond Willie Sr. “Dad”

The Greater Mount Calvary Missionary

Baptist Church

of Leeds Would Like to Wish the 2015 National Alumni Association of R. R. Moton High School a Blessed Reunion!

Greater Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Curtis White, Sr., Pastor

“Reaching to Reach the World for Christ” Sunday School -- 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship -- 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Bible Study -- 6:00 p.m.

7538 Henry Ellen Road P. O. Box 950 Leeds, Alabama 35094 205-699-2455

Leeds Pants Store 8029 Parkway Drive Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-6166

Congratulations to the 2015 Moton High School Reunion!

The Pants Store has some of the best fashions at the best prices!!

www.pantsstore.com/

Best Wishes R. R. Moton High from Leeds-Unity Funeral Services

Howard G. Johnson, Director

Leeds-Unity Funeral Services

We make arrangements for services and memorials following the death of a loved one.

7531 Parkway Drive Leeds, Alabama 35094

Phone: (205) 699-7600

would like to wish the Moton High Alumni Association a Memorable Reunion!

R. R. Moton High School was closed by Federal Court Order during the 1970-1971 school term so that the schools could be integrated. Members of the “Transitioning Class of 1971” began the school year in the fall of 1970, but by the second semester, this class was integrated into Leeds High School, Hewitt Trussville, and surrounding schools in the East Birmingham area.

This class made the transition from the R. R. Moton High School Class of 1971 to “The Transitioning Class of 1971” or they are better known as "The Survivors of 1971".

The Class of 1965 Celebrates it’s 50 th Anniversary & Would Like to Wish the Friends & Family of R. R. Moton High School a Successful Reunion!

2013 Reunion

Sixty four (64) students graduated in the Class of 1965.

Congratulations to R. R. Moton High Alumni Association

Truss Medical Repair

Solutions, Inc.

Melvin C. Truss, Sr. President

3950 Village Crossing Lane Ellenwood, GA 30294 (678) 699-1905

http://trussmedical.com

School Song

It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

Oh Moton High

Oh Moton High, Oh Moton High We will all be true to thee.

At work and play All through the day, We will ne'er forsake your ways.

We will honor, praise and cherish thee And in our hearts you'll always be.

Our allegiance we pledge be true, God bless and keep you.

Oh, Moton High, Oh Moton High To thee we proudly hail.

Oh Moton High, Oh Moton High Your spirit will prevail.

We'll always love and cherish thee And sing your praise eternally.

Oh Moton High, Oh Moton High We will all be true to thee.

~ Florence Zelois Hosea Class of 1953

School Colors: Maroon & White

Mascot: Hornet

Necrology List

Necrology List (Cont’d)

Barkley, Barbara Gaddis 1962 Bennett, Mary 1967 Bradford, – Teacher Raymond Brown, Carolyn Carter, Margaret 1962 Carter, Mary 1962 Clark, Robert Coleman, Jesse 1961 Craig, Jr. Robert Edwards, Percy England, Carolyn 1966 Felton, Tommie Feggins, Johnnie M. Formby, Carolyn Fulford, Annie Gaites Gaddis, Hilda Gaines, Willie Glenn, Charcey 1962 Glenn, Patricia Groce, Anita Looney 1961 Hall, Rochelle Harper, William Hawkins, Aszlene Abernathy Hinton, Lucky Beverly Horton, Fannie 1955 Hughes, Talmadge Jackson, Betty Jean Jackson, Willie Johnson, Gloria Jordan, Doris Pace Killian, John 1965 Kimble, Jacqueline King, Earlene Jones 1956 Lake, Jerry Marbury, Robert James Marbury, Wallace

Necrology List (Cont’d)

Howard, McAdory 1965 McAdory, Wallace 1959 McDaniel, Robert Earl 1962 Menson, Mary Jo Mitchell Miller, James Jack 1955 Morgan, Clarence 1961 Patrick, Lester Poole, Hazel Vann 1960 Porter, Cassie Powell, Joseph Radford, Voncile Ransaw, Jr Henry Reeves, Mary Reid, Henry Roberson, Edith Rogers, Lonnie Rose, Lonnie Savage, James 1961 Stone, Hattie Moore 1959 Stove, Gwendolyn Horton 1970 Strickland, Julia M Patrick Swope, Willie Charles 1962 Thomas, Calvin 1958 Thomas, Jerry Thomas, Richard 1959 Thomas, Roger 1965 Thompson, Eula Jones Threatt, Mary 1957 Truss, Addie Vann, Willie Joe Washington, Anthony Washington, Nancy Elois Webb Mattie Wood, Dora Ann 1960 Wright, Mary

History of R. R. Moton High School 1948 - 1970

Education has always been one of the greatest concerns for many of the Black citizens of Leeds and Black leaders such as Cicero Davis, Marvin Britt, Sr., Harrison Radford, Jeff Harris, Abraham Harris, Will Black, Sr., Florence White, Homer Harvey and many others whose names are still engraved in a portion of the sidewalk at the Negro High School, which today is the Head Start Center.

The building was constructed in 1920. Before this school, Black students attended school at the Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church and Hill’s Chapel C.M.E Church. At that time, Leeds had a Negro School Trustee Board and a White School Trustee Board until the 1940’s. The Black School Trustee Board purchased the school property in 1912 for $200 from Lee and Kincaid families. Members of the Board at that time were Cicero Davis, Marvin Brit, Sr. and Harrison Radford.

The first principals of the school were Mr. John Harris, Mr. J. J. Harrison, Mrs. Ida Forest, Mrs. Emma Lewis, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Charles Brown, Mr. William J. Bolden and Mr. John T. Smith. Some of the first Teachers were Mrs. Ida Smith, Mr. John T. Smith, Mrs. Roslyn Green, Mrs. Emma C. Peterson and Mrs. Rosa Niblett. Until 1948, Black students who had a desire to graduate from high school and earn a diploma were bussed to Rosedale High School located in Homewood, Alabama. In the late 1940’s, the Leeds Negro Trustee Board requested that the Jefferson County Board of Education build a Negro High School in Leeds, Alabama. The plans of the Principal, Mrs. Emma Lewis, and others were to attempt to have the school built in the Scott City Community of Leeds.

With the leadership of Mr. Jeff Harris and the Negro School Trustee Board, it was finally decided to build the school in Russell Heights Community, where the largest Negro population had homes. In the dispute, Mrs. Emma Lewis was fired as principal after the request of Black citizens and their boycott of the school. Mr. Jeff Harris was able to talk rich real estate executive J. W. “Skip” Griffin into donating forty acres of land to the county, earmarked for the Negro School. Students were also to be bussed from other small Black communities of Irondale, Overton and Trussville, Alabama to attend the school. The construction of the school was completed in 1948 and graduated her first students in the class of 1949. The school’s name was changed to Robert Russa Moton High School in the honor of the second president of Tuskegee Institute, which today is Tuskegee University.

The R. R. Moton High School had three principals during its existences: Mr. William J. Bolden, Mr. John T. Smith and Mr. John Jackson. During the early years, some of the teachers were Mrs. M. H. Berry, Mrs. R. J. Greene, and Mrs. Emma C. Peterson, Mrs. M. C. Cunningham, Mrs. L. K. Kyles, Mrs. Phyllis McArthur (Registrar), Miss Helen Wright, Miss Frankie P. Ware, Mr. R. T. Albritten, Mr. B. F. Bandy, Mr. Henry B. Russell, Mr. Darcus Haslip, Mr. Lee T. Watts, Mr. Jesse J. Moton, Mr. William H. Bryant and Mr. Nathaniel Scarlark. In 1954, the United States Supreme Court considered segregated schools unconstitutional, but Leeds Schools remained segregated. In 1958, Moton High School mysteriously caught fire and burned down, but was immediately rebuilt on the same foundation. Some additions were made along with a few structural changes in design. The City of Leeds’ Mayor, Bill Dorrough donated $500,000 to help build a new gym and a swimming pool on the southwest corner of the land. A new science building and library were later added to the school.

History of R. R. Moton High School (Cont’d)

From 1948 to 1970, Moton High School graduated a total of 891 students. After the graduation of the 1970 senior class, the school was closed by order of Federal Judge Pointer. His desegregation decree allowed all Black and White students to attend the formally all White Leeds High School and surrounding schools.

The former Moton High School was later re-opened as Moton Junior High School and one year later was renamed Leeds Junior High School. The old building still remains the same since closing, with the exception of the upholstery and mechanic shops, which were removed for the construction of a parking lot. These buildings were used to teach students and veterans. Many of the young men and women who attended Moton High School have made significant contributions to society, holding responsible positions in their chosen professions and serve as leaders in many civic, political, social and religious circles.

Compiled by: Mr. Lonnie Marbury, Historian R. R. Moton High School

LEEDS NEGRO SCHOOL - TEACHERS

Standing (L -R): Mrs. Massey, E. B. Canady, Emma Peterson, Mrs. Cunningham, Ida Smith, Annie P. Brown, Roslyn Green McTier, Mrs. Randall, Rosa Niblett Kneeling: Principal Willliam Bolden

Thank You! Earlier in the year we made an appeal to our members and friends to support The Robert Russa Moton High School National Alumni Association.

We requested your support of our scholarships, Moton Center restoration efforts, and membership drive as a way to Keep the memories of Moton High School alive and you answered the call.

Scholarships help keep our legacy alive. We Thank You! You helped us to provide approximately $9,500.00

R. R. Moton High School is nowto adeserving multi-purpose students center so far.that serves the needs of the community. So far, you have helped us donate approximately $10,000.00 for this restoration project. Your donations help maintain and restore this facility and keep the memories alive. We Thank You!

We continue asking all alumni members, friends, and family to consider donating $50.00 or more per year to assist with our initiatives. We appreciate any support that you can give. Membership in the Alumni Association is growing. We Thank You.

Our goal is to raise $10,000.00 each year. We raised approximately $2,000.00 in scholarship money this year.

This year’s scholarship was awarded to Jeremy Clark who plans to attend Jacksonville State University in the fall.

Again we say, “Thank You” and “Congratulations Jeremy Clark!”

We extend a special “Thank You” to Embassy Suites, Dr. Bobby Bramblett, The Pants Store, the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sandra McCain for donating door prizes for the 2015 Moton High Reunion.

Once again, we say, “Thank You” to everyone for all that you have done and are doing”.

Visit our website at: http://www.rrmotonhighleeds.com for updates on previous scholarship recipients, Moton Center Restoration Projects and other Moton Alumni events. You can also make donations to the Scholarship Fund and/or provide assistance for the Moton Center Restoration Project on the website at http://rrmotonhighleeds.com/donations. All Donations Are Tax Deductible!

It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

Souvenir Booklet Designed and Developed by E▪B▪H & T Associates™